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uniquely ME!
THE GIRL SCOUT/DOVE SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM
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| Dominique Dawes tells a group of 8-14-year-olds the importance of finding the real you. |
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Created in 2002 to address the critical nationwide problem of low self-esteem among adolescent and pre-adolescent girls, uniquely ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/DOVE SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM is designed to foster self-esteem in girls, ages 8-17.
A recent study by the Girl Scout Research Institute, The New Normal? What Girls Say about Healthy Living, found that girls define their health in holistic terms, and place equal value on emotional and physical well-being. uniquely ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/DOVE SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM helps girls feel better about themselves by helping them develop the skills necessary to face life's challenges. The core program curriculum, which integrates the latest research from the Girl Scout Research Institute, consists of activity booklets that guide girls through simple exercises that help them understand and build self-esteem. The booklets target developmental age groups:
- 8-10-year-olds: uniquely ME! The Way To Be
- 11-14-year-olds: uniquely ME! Inside & Out
- 11-14-year-olds: uniquely ME! The Real Deal
- 14-17-year-olds: Mirror, Mirror: Discover Your Inner Beauty Order Form (PDF, 170KB)
The uniquely ME! booklets include exercises about recognizing one's strengths and best attributes, handling peer pressure, healthy eating habits, hygiene, general wellness, exercise, and identifying core values and personal interests. Additional information about eating disorders, the power of positive thinking, relationship, and stress is also available to girls, on an age-appropriate basis.
An adult guide is also available for Girl Scout troop leaders and adult volunteers to serve as a resource for the program. It highlights research regarding girls' key concerns, facts about the intellectual, social, physical, and psychological development of pre-adolescent and adolescent girls, tips for dealing with girls in this age group, tips for explaining self-esteem issues, and additional resources for girls and adults.
All activity booklets are available in English and bilingual English/Spanish versions and are accessible to Girl Scout troop leaders, adult volunteers, and children across the country. Information on the program and activity excerpts can also be found in the uniquely ME! section of the STUDIO 2B® Web site.
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Help Make Girls Healthier
Help us make girls healthier by helping them feel better about themselves. Donate to the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. Your contribution will enable Girl Scouts nationwide to experience uniquely ME! through Girl Scouting.
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In addition to the core curriculum, Girl Scout councils offer hands-on activities such as mentoring, community service, or sports to support the program. These activities work in conjunction with the uniquely ME! curriculum to inspire girls to develop a sense of individualism, leadership, and self-confidence.
The problem of low self-esteem is pervasive among pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in the United States. Research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute and other organizations demonstrates that risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, unsafe sexual behavior, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, and self-mutilative behavior are often associated with low self-esteem.
| UNIQUELY ME! TIPS FOR BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM |
- Celebrate you!
Reward yourself when you have accomplished something! You don't need to wait for others to recognize what you've done.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
Spend time with people who are upbeat and feel good about themselves. They, in turn, will put a smile on your face and help you feel good about yourself.
- Challenge yourself to try new things.
Try a ropes course, learn some new dance steps, speak in front of a large group. Stepping outside of your comfort zone to try new things is a great way to grow.
- Be good to your body.
Exercising, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep will help you move toward a healthier you—inside and out!
- Find and express the real you.
No other person has the unique combination of qualities that you have! Be proud of yourself and be courageous enough to express your true feelings.
- Have a positive mental attitude.
A positive attitude is contagious! You'll feel good and people will want to hang out with you.
- Learn from your experiences.
Learn from your actions—both good and bad, and use the knowledge you gain to make positive decisions in the future.
- Find the humor in everyday life.
When you can see the funny side of things, you'll be less stressed and more likely to handle tough situations better.
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VOLUNTEER